There are indications that the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Presidential Candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC) have spiritual dimension as the chiefs and people of Owo in Ondo State believe that the prayers offered for him by the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin, Ogunoye III confused and scattered all opposition against him and paved way for his emergence.
Oba Ogunoye confirmed this in a special interview with Gavel International on the tradition, culture, and the justice system of the Owo Kingdom which is one of the ancient kingdoms in Nigeria. The palace of Olowo is regarded as one of the biggest in Africa.
The first class ruler said that his Kingdom is a very traditional one as his people in spite of their religious affiliation have very high regard and respect for their tradition. In the palace, there are several courtyards called Ugha, where the King holds court for different occasions. One of the most traditional is ‘Ugha Ogho’ where important occasions such as chieftaincy title giving takes place. It is also at this courtyard that important disputes are settled.
At the center of the Ugha is a gourd and stone which is protected by iron cast. The people believed that once inside this courtyard, no one dares to lie. It is also believed that whatever Olowo says inside the courtyard must definitely come to pass. If he places a curse on someone, it will come to pass. Also, if he prays for someone in the courtyard, the prayer must be answered and speedily too.
It was in this courtyard that Oba Ogunoye hosted Asiwaju Tinubu on June 6, 2022, when he visited Owo in the aftermath of the massacre of Christian Worshippers at St Francis Catholic Church, Owo on June 5. Tinubu, accompanied by the governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, an Owo indigene, donated the sum of N75 million to both victims and the church. He then paid a courtesy call on the king at the palace. This was four days after his “Emilokan” speech at Abeokuta where he said categorically that it was his turn to become Nigerian President. It was also the day that the APC convention started in Abuja, where in a very dramatic manner, every opposition against him crumbled, leading to his emergence as his party’s candidate.
It was also in this courtyard that Oba Ogunoye entreated his ancestors against the perpetrators of the Owo Catholic Church massacre, and the people believed that it led to their capture
Oba Ogunoye prayed for Tinubu that he would be victorious over all his enemies. “Wa segun ota(you shall prevail over your enemies), wa rehin odi(you shall conquer every opposition)”, was the prayer the revered monarch said. On June 8, all opposition against him crumbled as virtually all other aspirants withdrew from the race and declared their support for him.
Watch out for the exclusive interview with the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye.
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